Growing Fruits and Vegetables in Containers

If you lack adequate space for a full-fledged garden but still would still like to enjoy a few fresh fruits and vegetables this summer, container gardening may be the answer for you. Flowers are not the only plants that do well in containers. In fact, most fruits and vegetables have varieties which will do well in containers. Strawberries are the most common container fruit while tomatoes are the most common container vegetable. Lettuce, green onions, radishes, cucumbers, and peas are also popular choices.

An increasing number of varieties are developed each year that are adapted for limited space areas; everything from grafted dwarf fruit trees to bush-type cucumbers. In seed catalog descriptions, many companies specify use in containers for small-size fruits and vegetables.

Just about any container can be used to grow fruits and vegetables; from whiskey barrels and bushel baskets to clay pots and hanging baskets. The key to success is to make sure the container provides adequate drainage. Water should not be allowed to stand in the bottom of the container. To provide proper drainage, the container should have holes in the bottom to allow the water to run out. The type of soil used can also have an effect on drainage. Garden soil alone should not be used in containers because it will soon become compacted and water will not drain through it properly. Sterilized compost mixed with peat moss and vermiculite works well, as does potting soil mix. You can even use the potting soil bag as the container. Lay the bag flat and slit holes in the bottom for drainage, then turn the bag over and cut openings in the top for the plants. This technique is known as “bag-culture” or “pillow packs”.

The containers should be placed in full sun and should be protected from strong winds. A water source should be close by or the containers should be easy to move so they can be watered regularly, especially during dry spells. You may also need to use portable containers if they are to be used as porch or patio decorations or if they need to be moved to a protected area during the winter. If you have a fruit tree growing in a container, be sure to move it to a protected location in the winter. If left out, the roots will freeze and the tree will die.

Fruits and vegetables grown in containers are still susceptible to the same insects, weeds, and diseases as those grown in garden beds, so it is important to take proper measures to control them. Using a sterilized soil mixture can help avoid soil borne insects and diseases. Removing dead leaves, flowers, and over-ripe fruit will also help control these pests. Inspect the plants regularly for insects and pick them off as you notice them. If the infestation becomes large, it may be necessary to use a pesticide to control them, making sure the chemical is labeled for use on all the plants in the container.  

Weeds are not as much of a problem in container gardens but they can quickly take over if not properly controlled. The best way to control weeds in the container is to make sure the soil in the container does not have weed seeds in it. Potting soil or peat moss generally will not have weed problems but if your soil mixture contains compost or garden soil, these materials should be taken from areas that are not weed infested. If you do find weeds growing in your containers, carefully pull them while they are small. Larger weeds should be cut out so as not to damage the surrounding desirable plants. Herbicide use is not practical for container gardens.

Additional information on container gardening can be found in Purdue Extension publication HO-200, available here.

Prospective Plantings Outlook 2012

The USDA Prospective Plantings and Grain Stocks Report is an annual report providing a first look at US farmers' planting intentions for the current crop year.  Soon after the 2012 report was issued this morning, Dr. Chris Hurt and Dr. Corinne Alexander of the Purdue Agricultural Economics Department presented a Prospective Plantings Outlook discussion webinar to help farmers, agribusinesses, and others involved in the grain industry make sense of the USDA report and its potential effects on grain markets.  If you missed the live presentation and would like to hear their analysis, a recorded version of the webinar is available here.  A high-speed internet connection is recommended for viewing.